14 DAY TRIAL // The producing of traditional weapons is not as profitable as it used to be. The withdrawal of troops from countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan has resulted in considerable drops in sales for arms manufacturers.
Which is why, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), arms dealers are trying to expand to the cybersecurity sector to make up for the losses, the Associated Press reports.
While the demand for arms is decreasing, not the same thing can be said for cybersecurity solutions. Governments invest more and more money to ensure that they’re capable of defending critical infrastructures against cyberattacks.
SIPRI cybersecurity expert Vincent Boulanin explains that arms producing companies have started purchasing small companies that can help them obtain the technical expertise they require to provide security solutions.
These acquired companies usually specialize in data and network protection, simulation and testing, training and consulting, as well as in operational support.